Santa greets visitors at Holiday on Huguenot Street in New Paltz. Courtesy of the event

25 Awesome Santa Activities for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

For those who celebrate Christmas, the holiday season is hardly complete without a trip to visit Santa. Lucky for us, there's no shortage of places in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can have a meet-and-greet with the big guy, and we’ve rounded them up for you here.

From traditional mall photo ops to Santa breakfasts, tree lightings, and other holiday activities, we've got tons of fun ways to meet the man in red.

For even more holiday fun, see our coverage on Must-Do Holiday Experiences for Westchester Kids and where to see performances of the The Nutcracker and other holiday shows.

Winter Wonderland – Valhalla
Select dates from Friday, November 23 – Monday, December 31, 2018
This holiday extravaganza's many attractions include the Santa Experience, where kids and families can meet Santa, share their wishlists, and snap a photo.

Hop aboard the Catskill Mountain Polar Express Train for a holiday adventure that includes a visit with Santa. Photo courtesy of Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Polar Express Train – Kingston
Select dates through Friday, December 28, 2018
Take a ride to the North Pole to meet Santa, who will give each guest a silver sleigh bell to take home. Grab your tickets now; this one sells out fast!

Breakfast with Santa – Rye Brook
Sundays, November 25; December 2, 9, and 16, 2018
Dine with Santa at this breakfast buffet at the Doral Arrowwood's Atrium Restaurant. Reservations are required.

Stop by Santa's House at the Holiday Spirit Festival in Wappingers Falls. Photo courtesy of the event

Holiday Spirit Festival – Wappingers Falls
Select dates from Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 29, 2018
When you're strolling through this winter wonderland, make time to stop by Santa's House to visit and take some pics.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors on the Deyo House porch in New Paltz. Courtesy of Historic Huguenot Street.

A Holiday on Huguenot Street – New Paltz
Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 1, 2018
On Friday following the tree lighting, Santa will be available for free photos on the Deyo House porch until 8pm. Mostly FREE, but some activities have a fee.

Check out the model railroad and visit with Santa at Lasdon Park's annual Holidays on the Hill Train Show. Courtesy of Lasdon Park

Holidays on the Hill Train Show – Somers
Weekends from Saturday, December 1 – Sunday, December 30, 2018
Combine your Santa visit with a holiday train show at this popular annual event at Lasdon Park.

St. Nicholas Day Celebration – Yonkers
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Celebrate St. Nicholas Day in historic Dutch style with storytelling and music, crafts, treats, a scavenger hunt, and a visit from St. Nicholas himself. FREE

Holiday Lights of Nyack – Nyack
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Santa will make an appearance at this annual celebration—and he'll come bearing presents (if everyone is good)! FREE

Tuckahoe's Winterfest – Tuckahoe
Saturday and Sunday, December 1-2, 2018
This festive, weekend-long event includes a tree lighting, holiday music, hayrides, a petting zoo, and a visit from Santa. FREE

City Lights, Bright Holiday Nights – White Plains
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Visits with Santa are part of the fun at White Plains' tree-lighting ceremony. FREE

Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's – Pelham Manor
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Your ticket to this event includes breakfast and a photo with Santa, along with a $10 game card with unlimited video game play.

Holiday Breakfast – Scarsdale
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Enjoy pancakes with the big guy in the Scarsdale High School cafeteria. Pre-registration is required, and this one is only available to Scarsdale students in pre-K through third-grade.

Brunch with Santa – Elmsford
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Sing along with Santa at the Westchester Broadway Theatre!

Breakfast with Santa – Ardsley
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Enjoy a full breakfast with Santa and his helpers.

Candlelight Christmas Tours – Campbell Hall
Saturdays and Sundays, December 8-16, 2018
Hill-Hold Museum is decked out for the holidays. Tours include an open-hearth cooking demo, storytime, snacks, crafts, and a visit with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa – Ossining
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Youngsters will receive a small gift and have an opportunity to turn in a wish list to one of Santa’s elves from the North Pole. There are two seating times and you must pre-register. FREE

Breakfast with Santa – Yonkers
Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 2018
Santa and other characters will be on hand for a full breakfast, brunch, or lunch with families at Stew Leonard's.

Santa Visits the Rosen House – Katonah
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Bring the kids to Caramoor for a family-friendly holiday concert, followed by a visit with Santa—and milk and cookies!

Snap a photo with Santa and friends at the New Rochelle Christmas House on Sunday, December 16. Courtesy of the Caloia family

New Rochelle Christmas House – New Rochelle
Sunday December 16, 2018
This private home goes all-out decorating for the holidays, and on December 16, Santa will be on the scene from 3-5pm to pose for pictures. Bring your camera!

Mall Encounters

Santa Photo Experience at The Westchester Mall – White Plains
Now through Monday, December 24, 2018
Santa is welcoming visitors at the Westchester Mall. If your little ones are scared to sit for a photo, they can still gawk and enjoy the magic of seeing Santa in person from the floors above. Santa is located on Retail Level 1, Center Court.

Santa's Winter Wonderland at Cross County Shopping Center – Yonkers
Now through Monday, December 24, 2018
Check out Santa’s Winter Wonderland and have your kids’ photo taken with Santa at Cross County Shopping Center. A free gift is included. Prepay for photos online to reserve a spot in the line.

Photos with Santa at Jefferson Valley Mall – Yorktown Heights
Now through Monday, December 24, 2018
Santa and his team will be visiting the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights. Little ones can share their wish list and take a photo with St. Nick. Have breakfast with Santa in the food court on Saturday, December 1.

Visit Santaland at Palisades Center to pose for a photo and share your wish list! Courtesy of Palisades Center

Santa Photos at Palisades Center – West Nyack
Now through Monday, December 24, 2018
Take photos with St. Nick at Santaland, located in East Court on Level 1. The sensory-friendly Santa Cares visit for children with special needs will be on Sunday, December 9.

Santa’s Cottage at Ridge Hill – Yonkers
Friday, November 23 – Monday, December 24, 2018
Take photos with Santa in his charming library.

Photos with Santa at the Galleria at White Plains – White Plains
Saturday, November 24 – Monday, December 24, 2018
Santa and his helpers will be at the Galleria Mall this season. Kids can find him on Fashion Level 2 and have their photos taken with the big guy. Come to celebrate his arrival on Saturday, November 24, or visit during Santa Cares on Sunday, December 9, from 9:30–10:30am.

For more holiday fun, check out or Holiday Fun Guide! And don't forget our Event Calendar, full of events happening throughout Westchester this season.

This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2018.